A phone with video capability, or an Internet-connected computer with a webcam that allows a caregiver to view a loved one when the caregiver is away, is a technology most long-distance caregivers would like to have.
In a recent study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and UnitedHealthcare, 83 percent of long-distance caregivers said they would be likely to utilize technology for help. That compares to 74 percent of all the caregivers in the study, who expressed interest in using technology. The long-distance caregivers counted among the fifteen percent of participants who were caring for someone, such as a parent or grandparent, living at least an hour away from the caregiver.
Caregivers also reported that a website or software program that could help them track a care recipient’s health records would be useful as well as a shared electronic log for their loved one’s doctor appointments and other caregiving needs. Specifically caregivers said that a device that reminds the patient about his or her prescription medications and dispenses pills when they should be taken would be beneficial.
In an article by John Egan written for technorati.com, it’s predicted by some analysts that technology to assist seniors will be a $20 billion market by 2020.
